Tuesday, October 30, 2012

In preparation for the Halloween holiday tomorrow, the Culinary Arts students participate in a pumpkin carving contest. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result of this dragon flaming version of a jack 'o lantern. With concerted focus and plenty of pumpkin peels, innards and seeds, the competition tapped into the freedom of creativity as well as the traditional recipe preparation....and, of course, 'hands-on' learning! :) Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Monday, October 29, 2012

A stormy sunset...and the storm is a thousand miles away! Unlike the usual glassy calm we come to expect from the Gulf, there is a continued hammering of surf on the shore and a warning for potential rip currents. At least the glowing clouds and sky offers a sense of cyclical normalcy. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Thursday, October 25, 2012

Looking for a daily image shot with little time left on the clock and happened to glance over to where the iPad was half-hidden by one of the books I'm reading now, Creating Innovators, by Tony Wagner. What an appropriate combination! I'm taking my time with the book - many concepts and ideas that have been shared elsewhere, but I like the author's approach (and can't wait to hear him keynote the Global Education Conference online in a couple of weeks) and find myself 'chewing' on individual sentences - something to relish. Naples, FL

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Surrounded by construction projects these days...the economy must be changing for the positive, at least in our area! These roofing joints, framed by palm trees, look closer than code requires...but, then again, with hurricane Sandy out in tropical waters, we are reminded of possible destruction - better to be safe than sorry. Actually, these gable roofs are no recommended - hip roofs are the way to go so this million dollar home already has a strike against it! :( Central Ave & 6th St, Naples, FL

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Avocados, anyone? There's plenty for guacamole or to slice for sandwiches or salads - this one tree is laden with them. Delicious abundance at its best...assuming you can harvest them before they drop to the ground for the ducks to consume. :) Naples, FL

Monday, October 22, 2012

Advertising mail delivery has begun its annual holiday push to add to the usual junk mail. What is most noticeable is the near daily catalogs...likely due to the amount of space occupied. At any rate, this time of year definitely demands additional trips to the post office box to decrease the quantity - despite the true yield. Zip code 34106, Naples, FL

Sunday, October 21, 2012

A bench with a small memorial plaque sits unoccupied at a beach entrance. It is convenient for rearranging all of the paraphernalia (chairs, umbrellas, towels, coolers, and assorted 'toys') that so many find necessary to enjoy a day on the sandy shore...and somehow what was organized on the way to the beach is less so on the return trip. Unfortunately, this bench doesn't have a view unless, you enjoy a thick growth of sea grape trees, but it remains at attention for those who might need a seat. 4th Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Saturday, October 20, 2012

A white peacock butterfly is not nearly as colorful as the plant from which it feeds, much less most butterflies...but its pattern of spots and neutral tones allow for easier camouflage. Even the ordinary have the potential to become extraordinary. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

Friday, October 19, 2012

Multiple lenses - some clear and some tinted - provide a new "look"! Even with the reflections, these racks of frames from a eyeglass wear store beg for attention. A fresh perspective - just in time for the weekend! :) 22nd Ave N & US 41 E, Naples, FL

Thursday, October 18, 2012

The lonely apple sets the stage for tonight's performance, but its lack of luster made it a great candidate for a re-make! So meet Foogee - the result of Pixlromatic app using Julia & metal effects. They make it so easy to transform the so-so into something interesting (or at least a bit more polished!).... Naples, FL

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

The pollen-coated pistil of this bruised spathiphyllum (peace lily) bract is still well protected from the elements. The hooded design acts as an umbrella from overhead.

Ralph Waldo Emerson is associated with this quote, "The best lightning rod for your protection is your own spine." We build and nourish that protective backbone with confidence and experience...not all of which comes with ease. Nevertheless, we are empowered to do so much more ... we just need to grab that brass ring! :) Naples, FL

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Even though these beautiful 'birds' are a common sight in our area, they are always a delight to see...even if they are partially hidden! And what isn't somewhat concealed or to some extent unexplained...there always seems to be a component that is not fully visible. With that perspective, we tend to challenge, question, and not take things at face value - a true opportunity to engage the brain! :) Gulfshore Blvd, Naples, FL

Monday, October 15, 2012

Election Day is officially a few weeks away, but my vote is all prepared and ready to submit. The cost of postage is minimal compared to the convenience. Unfortunately, it won't remove the constant barrage of political advertisements on various media (which is only expected to ramp up), but at least my vote will be counted early. Naples, FL

Sunday, October 14, 2012

The beach debris was a bit pedestrian this morning, but something about the slowly rising early morning sun always seems to bring out the best in things...even the near mundane. After looking at Nedra's frosty close-ups, I long to see what a macro lens might see here - for now, I can only imagine! :) 1st Ave N & Gulf of Mexico, Naples, FL

Saturday, October 13, 2012

From darkness to sunlight (or vice versa depending on your orientation), this view of giant lily pads presents a mysterious mood. It is peaceful and serene, yet I can imagine the potential critters under that dark water.

There always seems to be opposing characteristics in our diverse environment. The yin and yang offers the opportunity to create a complimentary relationship, pleasing but not too compromising so as not to allow for dilution. So, here the shadow & sunlight, the real & the reflected, the topside & the underside, and the sharp & the blurred form a synergistic balance in their differences. Naples Botanical Garden, Naples, FL

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Reading Imagine by Jonah Lehrer - vignettes to demonstrate the author's understanding of 'how creativity works' (also the subtitle). So far, so good, but I am still puzzled by the purpose (if there is one?) of the letter placement and color/spiral design of the front cover. Naples, FL

How memories lie to us. How time coats the ordinary with gold. How it breaks the heart to go back and attempt to re-live them. How crushed we are when we discover that the gold was merely gold-plating thinly coated over lead, chalk and peeling paint.― Henry Rollins, Black Coffee Blues

There's no gold here, but the peeling paint still unveils the 'truth' and it isn't always as 'pretty'. Nevertheless, there can be an advantage in knowing what you are really dealing with...even with a new paint job. Lorenzo Walker campus, Naples, FL

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Looking for a little color in today's image and these birthday ribbon tresses did the trick! The hues are bright and cheerful, the message positively happy, and the spiraled curls add a joyful bounce...and the weather outside is sans rain so far with promises of a cooler and drier couple of days - hooray! :) Some days don't call for much to make you smile. Naples, FL

Monday, October 8, 2012

Such patience...waiting for the pedestrian crossing light to change, rather than darting through sporadic traffic (not always seen of skateboarders). The skateboard and its competitive spirit has really changed over the years - I remember trying to balance on one in the late '60s and now there's skateparks, trick skating, and a whole culture centered around the skateboard. I do love the self-sufficiency and flexibility of this sporty mode of transportation...just wish I had the agility to take advantage. :) 22nd Ave N & US 41E, Naples, FL

Sunday, October 7, 2012

Just in case you planned to look the other way as your canine does his/her 'thing', you've been warned! ;) About ten yards away, this park provides baggies and a disposal area, so there really are no excuses. That's a good thing, too, as the focus really should be on that fabulous and peaceful opportunity to sit and reflect pond-side. 3rd St N & Broad, Naples, FL

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Finally finishing Room by Emma Donoghue - it has been out for quite awhile, but it takes a certain mood to read. The premise is sadly fascinating and borders on recent true stories of unreal tales...and yet that is overshadowed by the amazing development of a young boy and his mother's relationship. Naples, FL

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

These double-track rails were unoccupied (and not sure they get too much business), but this 19th century transportation system is still around. The lore of the locomotive and train continues to fascinate....especially, when one considers the emphasis on speed in more contemporary modes. Sometimes it is best to slow down! ;) Fisheating Creek Campground, near Venus, FL

Monday, October 1, 2012

Higher than the treetops for a change of view and somehow the thunderheads seem a bit closer...but they passed quickly. My world is usually so grounded, for which I'm grateful, but it is nice to add some altitude for a different perspective. Hilton Lake Buena Vista, Orlando, FL